What is maternity leave?

Maternity leave refers to the period of time a female employee is allowed to take off from work before and after giving birth. This leave is typically granted to allow the mother to recover from childbirth and to care for her newborn child.

In the UAE, female workers are entitled to 60 days of maternity leave, which includes the following:

• 45 days of fully paid leave
• 15 days of half-paid leave

A female employee can apply for maternity leave up to 30 days before her expected delivery date.

Additional leave for health reasons

If the employee experiences illness due to pregnancy or childbirth and is unable to return to work, she may take an additional 45 days of unpaid leave. The illness must be supported by a medical certificate from the relevant medical authority. This leave can be taken consecutively or intermittently.

Leave for child's illness or disability

If the baby is ill or has a disability, the female employee is entitled to an additional 30 days of fully paid leave. This leave can also be extended for a further 30 days of unpaid leave if needed. The child's condition must be verified with a medical certificate from the relevant medical authority.

Nursing breaks after returning to work

After returning to work, a female employee is entitled to one or two breaks each day for nursing her child. The total duration of the breaks should not exceed one hour, and this entitlement is valid for a period of not more than 6 months from the date of delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is maternity leave in the UAE as per labour law?

Under UAE labor law , female employees are entitled to 45 days of fully paid maternity leave, followed by 15 days of half-paid leave. In cases of difficult childbirth, the female employee may receive an additional 15 days of fully paid leave. Working mothers can begin their maternity leave up to 30 days before their expected delivery date.

When can I apply for maternity leave in the UAE?

A female employee can apply for maternity leave up to 30 days prior to her expected delivery date. In addition to the standard maternity leave, she may take an extra 45 days of unpaid leave if she experiences illness due to pregnancy or childbirth and is unable to return to work.

Can an employer terminate an employee during maternity leave?

No, it is illegal in the UAE for an employer to terminate a female employee’s contract due to pregnancy, maternity leave, or her absence from work for these reasons. This is explicitly stated in the UAE Labour Law : "It is not permissible to terminate the service of the female worker or notify her of the same because of pregnancy, maternity leave, or her absence from work in accordance with the provisions of this Article." – Article 30, Point 8 of the UAE Labour Law.

Are health insurance benefits provided during maternity leave in the UAE?

Yes, women on maternity leave continue to have access to health benefits provided by their employer, ensuring that medical expenses are covered during this period.

Do fathers get paternity leave in the UAE?

Yes, under the latest article, private sector employees are entitled to 5 working days of paid paternity leave to care for their newborn, starting from the baby's birth and lasting until the child is 6 months old.